Eight Years Later: Speak Out Against the War in Afghanistan

Eight Years Later: Speak Out Against the War in Afghanistan

Paris Marron

98-0, 420-1. That is the outcome of the
9-14-01 Congressional vote to authorize military force in Afghanistan.

There was one dissenting vote. Only one leader could see that war was
not an answer in the wake of 9/11. Today marks eight years since
Congresswoman Barbara Lee's courageous act, and her words continue to
ring true.

Yet despite all this, Obama has
been escalating the war in Afghanistan and next week it is expected
that General McChrystal will ask for authorization for more even more troops.

Even General Petraeus has said, "you don't kill or
capture your way out of an industrial-strength insurgency." And
members of Congress are starting to push back - Rep. McGovern has a bill in the House with 97 cosponsors calling for an exit strategy in Afghanistan; Senator Russ Feingold recently called on Obama to create a timetable for withdrawal; and last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said
she sees very little support for the war. The tide is turning and as
Obama contemplates next steps, now is the time to take action!

Eight years ago today, Barbara Lee spoke up with courage against the war in Afghanistan.

Further

Academics are increasingly, ingeniously fighting back against an Orwellian "Professor Watchlist" aimed at exposing "radical" teachers. The list has inspired online trolls to name their own suspects - Albus Dumbledore, Dr. Pepper, Mr. Spock - and a Watchlist Redux to honor not trash targets from Jesus to teachers daring to "think critically about power." Now 100 Notre Dame professors have asked to join the list in solidarity, proclaiming, "We wish to be counted among those you are watching."